Shillong, Oct 5: Power Minister AT Mondal along with a high-level delegation, participated in a meeting organised by the union ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and chaire by the Union Minister of Power and Renewable Energy to discuss the challenges and opportunities in promoting renewable energy in the Northeastern states. The meeting, held on October 5, 2023, at New Delhi, was aimed at fostering sustainable energy solutions in the region.
During the meeting, Mondal highlighted the progress made by the state in the renewable energy sector, the challenges and the various initiatives undertaken by the state government to promote renewable energy through a demand-driven and problem-solving approach. The Chief Minister’s Solar Mission (CM Solar Mission), an intervention conceptualised by chief minister, has been launched.
According to Mondal, the state government implemented solar cold storage and solar food processing units, enabling efficient and sustainable energy utilisation in the state. These initiatives not only ensure energy security but also contribute to the preservation of agricultural produce and support local industries.
Director, MNREDA Joram Beda also raised concerns during the meeting regarding the challenges faced by Meghalaya in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM. He emphasised the need for support and collaboration with the central government to overcome these challenges and accelerate the adoption of solar energy in the state.
Furthermore, Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner and Secretary Power proposed the concept of floating solar panels as an innovative solution for Meghalaya. This technology can harness solar energy efficiently by utilising water bodies in the state, thereby maximizing energy generation and land use.
Among the other suggestions given by the state were increased central financial assistance in the solar roof top scheme, exploring the possibilities of joint venture in solar parks and Pumped Storage Scheme ( PSS).
Mondal also emphasised to review the financial support or subsidy given to SHP to the tune of Rs. 7.5 crore per MW for a project of 1 to 25 MW of SHP which was stopped for sometimes now which was agreed by the Union Minister to look into it very soon. The state minister also pointed out about the feasibility of Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) as Meghalaya is having huge potential and 4 PSP Projects were identified with the technical support of NTPC having capacity of about 3,100 MW but only problem is how to fund such project. He requested the Union Power Minister to provide financial and technical assistance as this intervention will ease away the power crisis of the state.
